If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

slatted racks: who makes the best?

I'm looking to add slatted racks to my hives....I would prefer to build them....anyone have a good plan for one (with racks running parallel with frames). Any commercial ones you really like? Any combo rack with screen bottom? Since I am going to probably build mine, I can do about anything, especially if it is an improvement to existing ones available. Is there an advantage to having them seperate?

Do they fit inside the bottom board or on top like another box? I've been trying to picture how they close off some of the front entrance I've read about.

Re: slatted racks: who makes the best?

They fit on top of the bottom board just like a box so the entrance is the same size. Rossman's 10 frame slatted rack comes fully assembled ready to paint and the slats run the same as the frames. I have purchased several items from Rossman and have been completely satisfied with their service and products.

Re: slatted racks: who makes the best?

Brushy mountain has an assemble yourself one. slats line up with the frames for mite drop, & its inexpensive. Might be a good place to start if you want to try & make you're own.

I've had issues with Brushy Mountain's slatted rack. The corner joints leave very small "tabs" which easily break off in shipping (actually before they were shipped being as only one of the broken off tabs was found in the shrinkwrap. The fit also leaves some fairly large holes/spaces (shb?). BM responded quickly to my problem but the replacement had similar issues. The one from Rossman is (as has been stated) pre-assembled and seems to be solid...thirty-five cents difference between the two...both have slats parallel to the frames. If I purchase any more of them they will come from Rossman's.

Re: slatted racks: who makes the best?

Re: slatted racks: who makes the best?

I built 3 Como SBB last year and noticed the bees were inside instead of under and seemed to built up more. Just did a 5" w slat rack, SBB and a slot for a 1/4 closing cover (sticky trap). I put on the cover just the few weeks of freezing temps. Built ones for the rest this year.

Re: slatted racks: who makes the best?

Originally Posted by tecrench

I built 3 Como SBB last year and noticed the bees were inside instead of under and seemed to built up more. Just did a 5" w slat rack, SBB and a slot for a 1/4 closing cover (sticky trap). I put on the cover just the few weeks of freezing temps. Built ones for the rest this year.

I used 2x4's for my eight frame stands and 2x3's for the nucs.... if I make more I'll use 2x4's for all side pieces and maybe 5/4 for the end pieces to make the routing easier. Hardwood might be my choice actually, to have more strength for the slots in the back piece.... the slots for the screen and the sticky board.